November 1, 2004
Richard A. Varbero (SUNY New Paltz): "The Americanization of the Italians. Acculturation Then and Now"

Dr. Varbero's lecture will focus on two important phases in American immigration history. He will begin with a general discussion of the period 1880-1940, with particular emphasis on the southern Italians and their interactions with Jewish and Irish immigrants in Philadelphia. Their experience will then be contrasted with the developments from 1960 to the present day, when different groups, under different circumstances, have redefined the meaning of immigration in American life. The lecture will conclude with the discussion of several major issues concerning patterns of acculturation and assimilation and adaptation to American values.

Richard Varbero is Professor Emeritus of History at SUNY New Paltz and has been a member of the Department of History since 1970. He served as Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences from 1992 until his retirement. He is a social and cultural historian who has specialized in patterns of American immigration.